Parag's World

  When people think of comic books, superheroes, or even pop culture itself, one name consistently comes to mind: Stan Lee . As the creative force behind Marvel Comics and one of the most influential figures in modern storytelling, Lee’s contributions go far beyond the pages of comic books. He didn’t just create characters; he created a cultural phenomenon that continues to shape literature, film, art, and imagination around the world. Building the Marvel Universe In the early 1960s, Stan Lee, alongside artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, transformed Marvel into more than just a comic book publisher—it became a universe. Lee redefined the superhero archetype by making characters who were not only powerful but also deeply human. Spider-Man struggled with schoolwork and heartbreak. The X-Men battled not only villains but also prejudice. Iron Man wrestled with his conscience as much as with his enemies. These layered characters made readers connect with superheroes in a new way, ...

  STEM education in India faces significant challenges with only 30% of students choosing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics tracks. This low participation highlights a skills gap that threatens to stall India’s ambitions in technology and innovation. The need for systemic improvement is more urgent than ever as global competitiveness hinges on advanced scientific literacy. The Impending Workforce Boom India is on the cusp of a transformative era. By 2030, projections indicate that the nation will hold the world’s largest working-age population. This demographic advantage could fuel unprecedented growth—but only if students gain access to the right education now. The mismatch between today’s STEM engagement and tomorrow’s workforce needs presents both a risk and an opportunity. Challenges Hindering STEM Access For many Indian students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, quality STEM learning remains out of reach. Inadequate school infrastructure, minimal...

Everyone faces hardship at some point. It may be loss, heartbreak, job stress, or illness. The feeling is real. The pain is deep. You are not alone in this. The world has many stories of struggle and survival. Finding Strength in Stories Think of Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings." He carries a burden much bigger than himself. Each step feels impossible, yet he moves forward. In the book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand, Louis Zamperini survives horrific challenges in World War II. These stories inspire us. They prove that humans can endure more than they imagine. What Psychology Tells Us Resilience is the ability to adapt during hardship. It is not something you have or do not have. It's like a muscle. You build it. Psychologist Ann Masten calls resilience “ordinary magic.” It can be found in anyone, anywhere. Focus on the Next Step When life feels overwhelming, do not aim for the final answer. Break it down. Focus on the next right step, not the whole journey. ...

Abhay Bhutada embarked on his professional journey in 2010, beginning at Bank of India. His work there centered on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), offering him valuable exposure to the obstacles that hinder growth for many business owners. This early experience not only fostered his financial expertise but also laid the groundwork for his deep interest in supporting those who often remain outside the reach of mainstream finance. Also Read: Maharashtrian of the Year Award Winners by Lokmat Times, Including Abhay Bhutada Pioneering Digital Lending Initiatives TL;DR: By 2016, Abhay Bhutada was ready to introduce innovation into the financial sector. He established TAB Capital, a Non-Banking Financial Company with a digital approach to lending. The company primarily assisted Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and provided consumer lending options. At a time when digital finance was just starting to gain ground in India, TAB Capital emerged as a crucial player, transforming h...